Ryan ChartrandFor four years, the No. 11 Cal Poly football jersey has been a frightful sight for those facing it.
It was worn by 6-foot-6, All-American receiver Ramses Barden, who set Cal Poly career records for catches (206), yards (4,203) and touchdowns (50).
But he didn’t stop rewriting records at just the school level.
Barden, whose college career ended Saturday, recently broke Larry Fitzgerald’s all-time NCAA record for consecutive games with a touchdown catch (20) and tied Randy Moss’ all-time Football Championship Subdivision standard of single-season consecutive games with such a reception (11).
Now, instead of an ominous sight to defensive backs, his uniform will be immortalized as a reminder of his accomplishments.
Barden’s No. 11 will be hung at Firestone Grill at 7 tonight, former Cal Poly star receiver Darrell Jones said Wednesday.
Monday, Barden finished fourth in the voting for the Walter Payton Award, which is given to the FCS’ best offensive player.
He’ll play in the East-West Shrine Game in Houston on Jan. 17 on ESPN2, in preparation for the NFL Draft scouting combine in Indianapolis from Feb. 18-24.
Other Cal Poly alumni whose jerseys adorn the walls of the grill include Professional Football Hall of Famer John Madden, National Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and former Major League Baseball All-Star Mike Krukow.
– Donovan Aird